To begin, we will explore the great ice amphitheater of the Harriman trip and will also peer into glacier studded College Fiord, the steeper twin sister to Harriman. We will continue the trip south down narrow Ester Passage lined emerald green with stately evergreens for an almost ‘reach out and touch it’ experience. From the south end of Ester Passage a series of open crossings are possible to discover small islands rich in history and bird life. Weather permitting we will end on the northern tip of Perry Island in the middle of the Sound. There are many options to this trip which can be catered to the group’s interests and the weather, but basically this is a travel trip. To get the most from this trip, some paddling experience is recommended.

Your Itinerary:

Day 1:
The trip starts in Anchorage with a drive down the very Scenic Seward Highway to Whittier. Here we load up on the water taxi and ride out to the drop-off beach. We load up our kayaks and paddle to the spectacular triple glacier ice amphitheater of Barry Arm for some up close tidewater glacier viewing. Make camp nearby.
(L) (D)

Day 2:
After more glacier viewing we paddle south and make camp near Packingham Point with great views of College Fiord. Interesting intertidal area to explore.
(B) (L) (D)

Day 3:
We make our crossing of College Fiord and then begin a day of coasting getting out of the boats regularly to explore many sights. Camp at the head of narrow Ester Passage.
(B) (L) (D)

Day 4:
Paddle through Ester Passage to the south end. We make a few exploratory stops at very scenic locales. Camp on Small Island at south end. Big ocean view to south.
(B) (L) (D)

Day 5:
Depending on skill, strength, interest and endurance of group and weather and state of sea we go island hopping. On big days we can explore a 1/2 dozen islands which are much richer in wildlife and birds than the mainland. Typically we finish the day at the pick-up beach.
(B) (L) (D)

Day 6:
Perry Island, the location of our scheduled pick-up is a steep granite island with open forest and tundra habitat. It has a great easy accessible hike to the top for a bird's eye view. Pick-up in late afternoon and return to Anchorage.
(B) (L)

Since 1972, M08143 has safely conducted quality exploration and educational trips across the width and breadth of Alaska's Brooks Range. Our nation's largest wilderness mountain range is located above the Arctic Circle and covers more than 75,000 square miles of northern Alaska. This magnificent and rarely...